David W. James

Akron Public Schools Superintendent David W. James is the 22nd superintendent of the Akron school system. He oversees roughly 22,000 pupils, 3,000 employees and operations of more than 50 school buildings.

The Akron Board of Education selected Mr. James in August of 2008 to lead the public school system in the city credited – in 1847 – with inventing the organizational formula still used in public education in America today.

The Akron Plan, as it was called, created an elected school board that hired a superintendent responsible for collection of tax levies to pay for buildings and operations. In 1847, the city was an agrarian community with a new canal that would soon propel it into becoming an industrial giant that produced virtually every tire for every vehicle used around the world.

Today’s New Environment for LearningAmong David W. James’ most significant responsibilities and achievements continues to be overseeing the largest building and renovation project in the 166-year history of the Akron schools. More than halfway completed, the $800 million endeavor, when done, will have converted all of Akron’s school buildings into community learning centers – schools by day, community learning centers (CLCs) for residents during evenings and weekends. The dozens of new CLCs have also modernized and helped solidify neighborhoods throughout the 62 square miles that are Akron.

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